Cades Cove Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
Active
1h - 2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Purchase only one tour per vehicle, not per person. Everyone listens together!
Discover gorgeous natural scenery and rich history at Cades Cove, one of the most popular destinations in the Smoky Mountains. This scenic loop packs a ton of sights into a small space. Check out sparkling waterfalls, lush hiking trails, and historic churches all in one place! Plus, learn the fascinating history behind this cove, including how the Civil War once threatened to tear it apart.
After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.
Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
Available options
Cades Cove Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
What's included
Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
Detailed itinerary
1
The first landmark you'll encounter is the John Oliver Place, a historic homestead dating back to the early 1800s.
2
Your tour of Cades Cove begins near the Sugarlands Visitor Center. From here, you'll drive down a scenic route to reach the main attraction: Cades Cove Loop.
Note: The tour is over 35+ miles long, with more than 40+ audio stories, and takes about 1-2 hours to complete.
Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
3
Next up is the Primitive Baptist Church, one of three historic churches in Cades Cove which offers a window into the area's past.
4
Past that is the Methodist Church, which cost only $115 to build when it was constructed in 1902!
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Then there's the Missionary Baptist Church, which split off from the Primitive Baptist Church during the early days of Cades Cove due to ideological divides.
6
Continuing on, you'll come to the Elijah Oliver Place, accessible via a half-mile trail. This secluded homestead once belonged to an abolitionist who found himself in grave danger when the Civil War broke out.
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Up next is the Abrams Falls Trail, which takes hikers to a powerful waterfall hidden deep in the wilderness.
8
After that, you'll see the John Cable Grist Mill. This mill dates back to 1870 and you can still see it in operation today!
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From the John Cable Grist Mill, you'll have the option to make a detour to the Henry Whitehead House. This pleasant cabin was actually built as a wedding gift!
10
Next on your route is Tipton Place, which was once home to a war hero of the American Revolution..
11
Finally, you'll come next to the Carter Shields Cabin, a staunchly abolitionist home that lost much during the Civil War.
There are many stories that you'll hear along the way, including
• A Cherokee Homeland
• White Settlers Arrive in Cades Cove
• Smokies Wildlife
• The Cussing Cover
• Last Family who lived in Cades Cove and more.
Explore the captivating Great Smoky Mountains and the stunning Cades Cove by purchasing our special bundle that includes both destinations.
What's not included
Cades Cove Daily Tag
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
3.4
27 reviews
5★
13
4★
3
3★
2
2★
1
1★
8
Tripadvisor
4.5
47 reviews
5★
37
4★
5
3★
1
2★
1
1★
3
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
Audio Setup: Connect your phone to your car's stereo system using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For the best experience, consider using headphones for walking tours. Audio playback is compatible with Apple CarPlay, with navigation features coming soon. Support for Android Auto is also on the way.
For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.
Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to vehicles every Wednesday from May to September for exclusive cyclist and pedestrian use, and Laurel Falls Trail will be closed starting January 6, 2025, for approximately 18 months due to rehabilitation work.
Meeting point
Begin from 107 Sugarlands Visitor Center Loop Rd, Gatlinburg, TN. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Important notes
1. Find The Setup Instructions NOW:
• Download the App: actiontourguide.com/app
• Find Your Password: Search your email or text messages for "Action Tour Guide"
• Enter Password: Open the app and enter your 8-digit password
• Download the Tour NOW while you have WiFi or cell service
• Offline Ready: Once downloaded, the tour works without internet
• Need Help? Visit: actiontourguide.com/redeem
2. Download The Tour NOW:
• Download NOW over WiFi or cellular data ahead of your trip.
• Don't wait until travel day - your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR from purchase.
• Your password redemption is limited to the number of travelers booked. Please enter the same password on each device.
3. Audio Tour Tips:
• This is a self-guided audio tour - no one will meet you at the starting point.
• Entrance and attraction tickets are not included. Please book those separately.
• Curious how it works? Watch a quick video here: actiontourguide.com/tutorial
• For the best audio experience, connect to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or AUX, or listen through your phone's speaker.
• CarPlay and Android Auto aren't supported yet.
• Valid for 12 months - listen to your tour on any day without changing your travel date or rebooking!
4. Help & Support:
• Visit our FAQs: actiontourguide.com/faq
• Chat online: actiontourguide.com
• Call: 1-435-288-0560
• Email: support@actiontourguide.com
❄️ Important Notes:
• Vehicles are not allowed on Wednesday.
• Between May and September, Cyclists and pedestrians have exclusive usage of the Cades Cove Loop Road every Wednesday.
• No other vehicles are allowed during this time.
• Laurel Falls Trail is closed as of January 6, 2025, for about 18 months of rehabilitation work.
About Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States, known for its diverse plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture. It offers stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and a variety of outdoor activities.
Top Attractions
Cades Cove
Cades Cove is a scenic valley with a rich history of early settlers. It offers beautiful views, historic cabins, and abundant wildlife.
Nature
Half day to full day
Free
Clingmans Dome
The highest point in the park, offering panoramic views from an observation tower.
Nature
1-2 hours for the hike and view
Free
Laurel Falls
A beautiful waterfall with a short, paved trail leading to its base.
Nature
1 hour round trip
Free
Gatlinburg SkyBridge
The longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, offering stunning views of the Smoky Mountains.
Adventure
1-2 hours
Moderate
Oconaluftee Visitor Center
A visitor center with exhibits on the park's history and cultural heritage, as well as a mountain farm museum.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Fried Chicken
Crispy, golden-fried chicken, often served with mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw, and biscuits.
Lunch/Dinner
Not vegetarian or vegan
Biscuits and Gravy
Fluffy biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy, a classic Southern breakfast dish.
Breakfast
Contains meat and dairy
Apple Stack Cake
A traditional Appalachian dessert made with layers of spiced apples and cake, often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Dessert
Contains gluten and dairy
Pimento Cheese Sandwich
A Southern classic made with a creamy mixture of cheese, pimentos, and spices, served on crusty bread.
Lunch
Contains dairy and gluten
Popular Activities
Hiking
Whitewater rafting
Zip-lining
Horseback riding
Scenic drives
Picnicking
Wildlife viewing
Fishing
Best Time to Visit
September to October (fall foliage season)
This is the most popular time to visit due to the stunning fall colors and pleasant weather. The park is bustling with visitors, and all facilities are open.
10-25°C
50-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone (GMT-5:00)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas and situations
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is generally safe, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, visitors should be aware of potential hazards, such as wildlife encounters, weather changes, and the risks of outdoor activities like hiking and swimming.
Important Precautions:
- • Stay on marked trails and follow park guidelines for safety
- • Be aware of wildlife and keep a safe distance
- • Carry plenty of water and snacks, and dress in layers for changing weather conditions
Getting there
By air
- McGhee Tyson Airport • 20 miles from Gatlinburg, TN
- Asheville Regional Airport • 60 miles from Cherokee, NC
By bus
Gatlinburg, Cherokee
Getting around
Public transport
Shuttle services are available during peak seasons and provide a convenient way to explore without driving.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Gatlinburg
Cherokee
Townsend
Day trips
Dollywood
30 miles from Gatlinburg • Full day
A popular theme park owned by country music legend Dolly Parton, featuring a variety of rides, shows, and attractions.
Pigeon Forge
20 miles from Gatlinburg • Half day to full day
A popular tourist destination offering a variety of attractions, including museums, dinner theaters, and shopping.
Blue Ridge Parkway
100 miles from Gatlinburg • Full day or overnight
A beautiful scenic drive offering stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as numerous hiking trails, picnic areas, and waterfalls.
Festivals
Smoky Mountain Christmas • November to January
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage • April
Smoky Mountain Songwriters Festival • September
Pro tips
- Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking, especially during peak seasons.
- Download offline maps and trail guides, as cell service can be limited or nonexistent in some areas of the park.
- Pack layers and be prepared for changing weather conditions, as temperatures and conditions can vary significantly throughout the day and year.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, as food and drink options can be limited or expensive within the park.
- Consider hiring a local guide or joining a ranger-led program for a more in-depth and educational experience.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
